# Behind the Arras explained — The Titan

> Chapter companion for The Titan by Theodore Dreiser.

## What happens

Berenice Fleming learns that her family's financial support has come from Frank Cowperwood, forcing her to confront her pride and her mother's past. She rejects Lieutenant Braxmar's marriage proposal, choosing to distance herself from him after the Beales Chadsey incident reveals her mother's secrets. Cowperwood advises Mrs. Carter to brazen out the scandal, while Berenice begins to see the world's harsh realities and her own precarious social position.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Ostracism

Berenice fears poverty and ostracism after learning her family's wealth comes from Cowperwood; she reflects on the superficiality of society.

### Love and Betrayal

Berenice's romantic idyll with Braxmar ends due to her mother's secrets and her own pride; Braxmar's genuine love is met with calculated distance.

### Wealth and Its Illusions

Berenice realizes the money she spent freely was Cowperwood's, not her own, shattering her sense of superiority and independence.

## Character check-ins

### Berenice Fleming

Discovers Cowperwood's financial support and her mother's past; rejects Braxmar's proposal; begins to see life's ugly facts.

### Frank A. Cowperwood

Revealed as the secret benefactor of the Flemings; advises Mrs. Carter to brazen out the scandal; privately sees the incident as a windfall to scare away Braxmar.

### Lieutenant Braxmar

Proposes to Berenice after the Chadsey incident; is gently rejected; feels he cannot comprehend her.

### Ira George Carter

Confesses to Berenice about her past in Louisville and her dependence on Cowperwood; cries and admits her fear of life.

### Beales Chadsey

Writes an apology letter after being arrested for drunken behavior; his incident triggers the revelations in the chapter.

## Key lines

> “Poverty, ostracism,” she thought. And should she marry rich? Of course, if she could.

Berenice contemplates the social consequences of her family's financial dependence and considers marrying for money as a solution.

_Reveals Berenice's pragmatic and calculating nature in response to her newfound vulnerability._

> “Brazen it out,” he commanded. “It doesn’t amount to anything. Braxmar doesn’t believe that this man really knows anything. This letter is enough to convince Berenice. Put a good face on it; more depends on your manner than on anything else.”

Cowperwood advises Mrs. Carter to act confidently and deny everything, believing that a bold front will dispel suspicion.

_Illustrates Cowperwood's manipulative and strategic approach to managing scandal._

> “Really, Mr. Braxmar,” she replied, turning on him with solemn eyes, “you mustn’t ask me to decide that now. I know how you feel. I’m afraid, though, that I may have been a little misleading in my manner. I didn’t mean to be. I’m quite sure you’d better forget your interest in me for the present anyhow.”

Berenice gently but firmly rejects Braxmar's proposal, claiming she may have unintentionally given him false hope.

_Shows Berenice's poise and emotional control even as she ends a potentially romantic relationship._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se/chapters/lii-behind-the-arras
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_titan_se/chapters